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Computer Glitch Offers Storm Shelter Rebate

About 20 People Were Told They Would Be Receiving Storm Shelter Rebate

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Updated: 8:35 AM CDT Mar 22, 2012

Computer Glitch Offers Storm Shelter Rebate

About 20 People Were Told They Would Be Receiving Storm Shelter Rebate

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Updated: 8:35 AM CDT Mar 22, 2012

OKLAHOMA CITY —

Oklahoma is apologizing to many residents who thought they were getting a storm shelter rebate. However, it was actually just a glitch, a big computer mistake.

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One man says he was shelter shopping when he learned he wouldn't be getting the money after all.

"We've lived here for awhile and these tornadoes they come out of the blue," said James Snyder. "We just want to be prepared for the next one."

Snyder was one of the thousands of people who registered for the state's storm shelter rebate program. The rebate was for up to $2,000 which would have helped him get the $4,000 shelter he wanted for nearly half price. Snyder said he was excited when he learned he had been approved.

"We went out that Saturday and found a shelter to be put in and we were pretty happy," said Snyder. "It was like a few days after that we received some notification saying that we were no longer eligible for the program."

Snyder was not the only one who was disappointed. A glitch on the OK.gov website gave false approvals to several people when approval numbers got switched with identification numbers assigned to applicants.

"I would like to see the money, but at the same time I know that's not going to be possible," said Snyder.

KOCO Eyewitness News 5's Carla Wade asked Ok.gov about the glitch. They sent a statement apologizing for the error and any inconvenience. They said it appears to have affected about 20 people.

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